The Nature of Geology

GEOLOGY HAS MANY EXPRESSIONS in our world. Geologic processes reshape Earth’s interior and sculpt its surface. They determine the distribution of metals and petroleum and control which places are most susceptible to natural disasters, such as volcanoes and fl oods. Geology impacts climate and the availability of water, factors that are critical to ecosystems. In this book, we explore geology, the science of Earth, and examine why an understanding of geology is important in our modern world.